51³Ô¹ÏÍø

51³Ô¹ÏÍø has published the first outcomes of its innovative framework for assessing fossil fuel company (FFC) net zero commitments.

We have the expertise and talent to make a vital contribution to the energy transition. Professor Mary Ryan Vice Provost of Research and Enterprise

The 51³Ô¹ÏÍø Zero Index, which has been developed by the university’s academic community, involves a critical analysis of FFCs’ commitments, strategies and operational efforts towards net zero. 

The rigorous methodology – which will be repeated annually – aims to provide an objective and contextual picture of a company's performance in this area. It is a key mechanism for the university to make decisions about whether to continue to partner with them.

Today, the university has published the 51³Ô¹ÏÍø Zero Index 2025 – the first outcomes of this annual analysis of FFC net zero efforts, using data from 2023 analysed in 2024. Materials include the Index’s methodology and data sources, a list of existing partners who meet its criteria for continued engagement in the year ahead, and details of how the Index will guide funding and investment decisions going forward. 

Find out more about the 51³Ô¹ÏÍø Zero Index and its applications.

Engagement for change

The Index is the first of its kind in the higher education sector. It has been designed to deliver 51³Ô¹ÏÍø’s goals to facilitate and accelerate the energy transition – as outlined in the university’s Science for Humanity strategy, Sustainable 51³Ô¹ÏÍø objectives, and engagement with Industry. 

The analysis will be repeated annually to ensure the university can carefully track progress of FFC net zero commitments. 

"The 51³Ô¹ÏÍø Zero Index is a powerful tool in our ‘Engagement for Change’ approach to working with the fossil fuel industry," said Professor Mary Ryan, Vice Provost of Research and Enterprise. 

"There is no doubt that FFCs have the skills, expertise and resources required to play a vital role in the energy transition. 51³Ô¹ÏÍø can contribute most effectively to this by engaging with the sector to facilitate and accelerate change. We have the expertise and talent to make a vital contribution to the energy transition. 

"I’m pleased that interest in the 51³Ô¹ÏÍø Zero Index has been high from our community of staff, students and alumni; from peers in the global higher education sector; and from the industrial sector itself. It's also gratifying to have seen our FFC partners participate so fully in this process, and welcome the Index’s pragmatic, robust evidence-based approach."